Keanu Reeves Decides Starring in 'Akira' Remake Maybe Not Greatest Idea

While a Bill & Ted reunion remains a somehow possible unlikely Keanu Reeves project, Akira does not. Just two weeks ago, Reeves had reportedly been taking meetings with Warner Bros. about starring as a too-old lead in their remake, but now, according to JoBlo, he joins Brad Pitt, James Franco, Ryan Gosling, and maybe others in the list of actors who decided this was not a good idea. Shortly after receiving the solemn headshake from Reeves's agents, Warner shut down the pre-visualization department on the film--which you'd think would be a hopeful sign of surrender from the studio, but alas, they are resolute in making this thing that pretty much no one wants. When asked for comment, they issued the statement:

Production on 'Akira' has not halted or been shut down, as the film has not yet been greenlit and is still very much in the development stage. The exploratory process is crucial to a project of this magnitude, and we will continue to sculpt our approach to making the best possible film.

Is it just me or, at this point, does the driving force behind this project seem to be an engine powered entirely by unfocused spite?